The first offering from these German Metal legends, sets the tone for many successful albums to follow. Utilising their combined experiences from 'Gamma Ray', 'Sinner' and 'Helloween' concoct a stunning blend of 'Judas Priest' inspired 'Power Metal', which features a nod to all their previous bands. As with future releases there isn't a terrific amount of variation, which has brought the band a little criticism, but they know how to write and execute some killer material, and that's what they do on this excellent debut. Guest guitars are courtesy of no less than 'Kai Hansen' which further bolsters this terrific line-up of 'Ralf Scheepers' formally of 'Gamma Ray', 'Mat Sinner' and 'Tom Naumann' of 'Sinner' fame and drummer 'Klaus Sperling'.

A short mechanical sounding instrumental titled 'Primal Fear' opens their Power Metal account, hardly worth a title as it's more an introduction to the first track proper. 'Chainbreaker' assaults your speakers in the style you would expect from 'Primal Fear', fast, chorus heavy, catchy and could have been on 'Painkiller', as it sounds like 'Judas Priest' through and through- ultimately a superb track, one of the best on the album. Following strongly, but not quite flowing as well, is the brisk thumper 'Silver and Gold', a decently penned track which is upheld by some sparking fret work, while complimentary keyboards are cleverly used, to add depth. Better still is the smoking ripper 'Promised Land', which rides upon some stunning rhythm work, a little reminiscent of 'Dio' era 'Rainbow' but swifter, this is further supported by 'Ralf Scheepers' glorious soaring vocals. Not quite so impressive is the cruder more thrashy 'Formula One', which lacks structure and comes across unrefined, despite some solid solos from 'Kai Hansen' and 'Tom Naumann'. Back on track is the slower paced 'Dollars' a pulsating groover that despite some suspect lyrics is braced by a splendid rhythm, the chorus is catchy and further enhanced by more impressive guitar solos and crisp vocals. The tempo is once again lifted with 'Nine Lives' a Speed Metal gem, which features a melody more reminiscent of 'Helloween' or 'Gamma Ray', decent stuff though, played at break-neck speed. The tempo drops once again for the slower 'Judas Priest' style 'Tears of Rage', a passionately executed number, where 'Ralf Scheepers' again turns in an excellent performance, the keyboard work is perhaps a little overdone though. The following track took me by surprise, as 'Primal Fear' run through a ripping version of 'Deep Purple's' 'Speed king', while I like the original this is a very good rendition, with blistering fret work, soaring vocals and a sharp guitar solo from 'Kai'. Much nastier is the neck wrenching 'Battalions of Hate', a lively affair, governed by pulsating rhythm and braced by intricate fret work and solid vocals from 'Ralf Scheepers' and 'Mat Sinner', whose overall contribution should not be overlooked. 'Running in the Dust' ensues and is indicative of 'Ripper' era 'Priest', not only with the vocals but in the nasty plodding approach, better than anything from 'Demolition' though and another album highlight. Last up is the pedal to the Metal 'Thunderdome' and overlooking the sluggish mid track vocal section (which is like some of 'Ripper Owens' worst work with 'Priest') a great Power Metal ripper, full of smoking guitar work and soaring vocals.

German Metal quite often gets a bad press, which I think is a real shame, as they are producing some real quality and 'Primal Fear' are the pinnacle of this. Any Power Metal fan worth his salt should take something from this superb debut- and there's plenty more to come!